The bill creates a new exemption from the certificate of need process for the establishment of a hospice program meeting certain criteria. The exemption is available to an entity that shares a controlling interest with a not-for-profit retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing home services at a teaching nursing home that has been designated as a teaching nursing home for at least five years. The bill specifies that only one hospice program may be established per teaching nursing home under the exemption. Additionally, the hospice program established pursuant to this exemption may only serve patients residing in communities located within the not-for-profit retirement community.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2017.